“We are cautiously optimistic and hope that we will have good news during the summer,” President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday, in his remarks at an event for the bi-communal business awards “Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus 2026” in Nicosia, in the presence of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Cyprus, María Ángela Olguín, and Khassim Diagne, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
He emphasized that “the Cyprus question is a European one and, as such, demands European answers,” adding that the European family stands by Cyprus “at a time when Europe itself is investing in greater unity and security.”
The President stated that he cannot accept a future “that deprives our children of the limitless opportunities and potential they deserve. And I cannot accept that this can be the future of a Member State of the European Union.” He noted that “as President of all Cypriots,” he remains unwavering in his commitment “to a sustainable and lasting solution for our country.” President Christodoulides said that "this is the reason that, from the very first day of assuming office, I have worked tirelessly to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations within the agreed framework. I have pursued every opportunity, every initiative and every avenue that could help move the process forward."
He also thanked the UN Secretary-General and Olgin for their efforts and their commitment to resuming negotiations and resolving the Cyprus issue.
“Bicommunal cooperation is essential”
Referring to the awards ceremony, which is being held for the 16th year, he expressed his deep appreciation to what they represent, noting that they cast a light and offer a glimpse “into the future Cyprus deserves, the future we envision—one of reunification and co-creation between all Cypriots, within the big family they belong in – the European Union.”
He also said that the Stelios Bi-communal Business Cooperation Awards “go far beyond the recognition of successful business partnerships. They are a celebration of the spirit of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared purpose between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. And in this regard, they are clear demonstration of all that can be achieved when we come together with a common vision for the future.”
He added that the bicommunal awards are a symbol of hope and testament, while describing them as one of the most meaningful and enduring initiatives promoting bicommunal cooperation through business collaboration, innovation, and practical partnership. “This is precisely the vision that Sir Stelios has consistently championed through the Stelios Charitable Foundation. A pioneering vision that I fully share. Also, because our history has shown time and again that Cypriots can live, create, and prosper together. And this is the foundation upon which a reunified Cyprus will be built,” President Christodoulides stated.
He also said that both the Government and himself fully support all bicommunal actions and initiatives that bring Cypriots closer together. “Bicommunal cooperation is essential for supporting and fostering reconciliation and reunification” he added.
Finally, he expressed his sincere personal appreciation to Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, noting that his ongoing active commitment through the Charitable Foundation “has supported truly meaningful cooperation, built trust, and created shared opportunities for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.” Addressing the award winners, he said it is clear “what we are working toward: a reunified Cyprus within the EU.”
The aim of the awards is to promote peace, said Sir Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.
For his part, he noted that the goal of the awards and the effort being made is to promote peace and economic prosperity across the island.
He expressed his belief that it is important to “encourage more people to apply because we want to change the mindset.” He added that the awards are being held this year for the 16th time, and that the annual investment for the bicommunal business awards amounts to approximately 1 million euros per year, and to date, awards totaling 5.3 million euros have been presented, with a total of 18 winners.
“Half of them are Greek Cypriots and the other half Turkish Cypriots—people who are willing to work together. This reflects our goal: to work toward lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Cyprus.”
He concluded by stating that what the winners are doing “is promoting not only peace but also economic prosperity across the entire island.”
